Longitudinal Meta-Analysis of Peak Height Velocity in Young Female Athletes.

Growth patterns and biological milestones in youth sports are key to interpreting the development of young athletes. However, there is no analysis of longitudinal meta-analysis describing the growth of young female athletes. This longitudinal meta-analysis estimated growth curves and age at peak height velocity (PHV) in young female athletes based on anthropometric data from longitudinal studies found in the literature. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, studies with repeated measurements in young female athletes were identified from searches of four databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and SPORTDiscus) without date restrictions through August 2023. We adapted our bias assessment criteria using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials as a reference. Bayesian multilevel modeling was used to perform a longitudinal meta-analysis to extract stature growth curves and age at PHV. Fourteen studies met our eligibility criteria. Twenty-one independent samples could be included in the analysis. Conditional on the data and models, the predicted mean age at PHV for female athletes was 11.18 years (90% CI: 8.62; 12.94). When studies were aggregated by sport in the models, the models could not capture sport-specific growth curves for stature and estimate a corresponding age at PHV. We provide the first longitudinal meta-analytic summary of pubertal growth and derive age at PHV in young female athletes. The meta-analysis predicted that age at PHV occurs at similar ages to those in the general pediatric population. The data pool was limited in sports and geographic distribution, emphasizing the need to promote longitudinal research in females across different youth sports contexts.

Peak height velocity in young athletes: A longitudinal meta-analysis.

The present longitudinal meta-analysis aimed to estimate the growth curves and age at peak height velocity (PHV) in young male athletes, considering anthropometric data from available longitudinal studies. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, studies with repeated measurements in young male athletes were identified from searches across four databases (MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and SCOPUS). Estimations were based on multilevel polynomial models using a fully Bayesian framework. After a full-text screening of 317 studies meeting the eligibility criteria, 31 studies were considered. Studies were excluded mainly due to study design, repeated reporting, and incomplete reporting of the outcomes. Of the 31 studies analysed, 26 (84%) focused on young European athletes. The average age at PHV for the total sample of studies with young athletes was 13.1 years (90% credible interval: 12.9; 13.4). When considering data by sport, there was substantial variation in the age at PHV estimates (range: 12.4 to 13.5 years). As most studies in the meta-analysis focused on young European football players (52%), predictions for young athletes from other sports may be limited. The age at PHV in the available data occurred earlier than in general paediatric populations.

Student-Athlete Identity Variation Across the Undergraduate Period: A Mixed-Methods Study.

We examined the influence of individual and contextual characteristics on student-athlete identities and then explored identity variations across the undergraduate college years. Our main analysis relied on a quantitative study of a large sample of cross-sectional data (n = 862: females = 490, males = 372) with follow-up data for 102 participants. We also used qualitative semi-structured interviews within a small sub-sample (n = 4) who participated in international competitions to provide deeper insight into their identities across time. We used the Portuguese version of the Baller Identity Measurement Scale (BIMS) to explore student-athlete identities, and we examined the influence of sex, student-athlete status (based on institution documents), the participant's competitive level in the sport, and the student athlete's university type. We modelled response probability on BIMS items with multilevel ordinal regression in a cumulative model based on the Bayesian framework. For the follow-up in-depth qualitative interviews of four participants competing at the international level, we used thematic analysis, with two independent researchers generating thematic codes. We found a non-significant trend toward a decreased student-athlete identity across the undergraduate years. Participants' statements reflected their difficulty combining both aspects of the student-athlete identity, such that they tried to shift their identities, depending on the circumstances, while their athletic identity seemed to be privileged. Hence, participants had difficulty combining a dual academic-sport career within a context oriented toward academic achievement and transition to professional life. The higher education context was unprepared to support student-athletes toward a dual academic-sport career.

Adaptation and Validation of the Constructivist Teaching Practices Inventory in Elementary Physical Education (CTPI-EPE) for Brazilian Physical Education Pre-Service Teachers.

Constructivism is used as a powerful theoretical outlook to support teaching, learning, and curriculum in physical education and sport. The Constructivist Teaching Practices Inventory in Elementary Physical Education (CTPI-EPE) is a valid instrument for assessing in-service teachers. However, there is a need to translate constructivist teaching practices for PE into other languages. This study examined the validity of the Portuguese version of the adapted CTPI-EPE for Brazilian physical education preservice teachers (PST). The sample comprised of 869 physical education PSTs from Brazil. Data were collected through an online form. Aiken's V was used to examine content validity, and Bayesian methods used for exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The results showed adequate content and internal structure of the translated and adapted questionnaire. This study highlighted the validity of the Portuguese version of the CTPI-EPE, which could be considered an important instrument for self-reflection by PSTs, and provide information for improved training in higher education toward constructivist teaching.

Age-, sex-, and maturity-associated variation in the phase angle after adjusting for size in adolescents.

Background: Applied research using the phase angle (PhA) in children and adolescents has increased notably. Using multilevel modeling in a fully Bayesian framework, we examined the relationships between PhA, age, sex, biological maturity status, and body size in 10-16-year-old adolescents. Methods: The sample comprised 519 adolescents (women, n = 241; men, n = 278) from Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. Biological maturity status was assessed with self-examination of pubertal development for sexual maturity and maturity offset protocol to estimate age at peak height velocity (PHV) for somatic maturity status. Stature and body mass were measured by anthropometry. Phase angle was calculated based on raw resistance and reactance values (50 kHz frequency) obtained by bioelectrical impedance with the foot-to-hand technology. Results: The multilevel regression analysis revealed that boys had significantly higher values of phase angle than girls, adjusting for age group and sexual maturity status. Overall, older and more mature adolescents had higher values of phase angle. When considering aligning variation in the phase angle by distance to estimated PHV (maturity offset), there was a higher association between the phase angle and time before and after predicted age at PHV for boys (r = 0.31, 90% CI: 0.23 to 0.39) than girls (r = 0.2, 90% CI: 0.11 to 0.28). When including body mass in the multilevel models, corresponding changes in the overall body mass mediate most of the influence of the maturity status and age group on the phase angle. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that the variability in phase angle is related to inter-individual variation in sex, age, and maturity status, as well as differences in body size. Research with adolescents considering phase angle should use multilevel modeling with standardized parameters as default to adjust for the concurrent influence of sex, age, maturity status, and body size.

Exercise improves the social and behavioral skills of children and adolescent with autism spectrum disorders.

Background: Currently, there is no standard treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), but there are many ways to minimize the symptoms and maximize abilities. Some studies suggest that exercise and other physical activities with children with ASD may be beneficial. In this study, we hypothesized that a physical exercise program (48-week exercise-intervention) could improve symptomatology dyad among children and adolescents with ASD. Our main aim was to examine the effects of physical activity on the primary clinical symptoms and associated comorbidities in children and adolescents with ASD. Methods: We allocated 229 children with ASD, ranging in age from 2.3-17.3 years (M = 7.8, SD = 3.2), into three groups: (a) exercise- intervention group, (b) control group from the same institution, and (c) control group from another institution. The exercise program was performed at moderate intensity in a 30 min section twice a week for 48 weeks. We used Bayesian multilevel regression modeling to examine participant outcomes and responses to the exercise-intervention. Results: Our results showed that a 48-week exercise-intervention substantially decreased ASD social interaction problems, attention deficit, emotional reactivity, stereotypical verbal and motor behavior, and sleep disturbances. However, physical exercise did not affect eye contact and food selectivity. We also observed that ASD severity and socioeconomic status influence eye contact, attention deficit, and sleep disturbance responses. Conclusion: In conclusion, children and adolescents with ASD exposed to a 48-week physical exercise-intervention program had important improvements in ASD symptoms. This study highlights that structured exercise programs can be a powerful complementary therapy for the ASD population.

Validity and usefulness of the student-athletes' motivation toward sport and academics questionnaire: a Bayesian multilevel approach.

BACKGROUND: Reliable assessment and understanding of student-athletes' motivation for dual careers are crucial to support their career development and transitions. The purpose of this research was to examine the validity and usefulness of the student-athletes' motivation toward sport and academics questionnaire (SAMSAQ-PT) in the Brazilian higher education context. Four studies were performed. METHODS: In study one, conceptually and semantic translation of the questionnaire and Bayesian exploratory factor analysis were conducted. In study two, a Bayesian confirmatory factor analysis with an independent sample was performed. In study three, Bayesian multilevel modeling was applied to examine the construct validity of the questionnaire in a cross-sectional sample. In study four, the SAMSAQ-PT sensitiveness was examined in a longitudinal sample, and the results were interpreted based on multilevel regression and poststratification. RESULTS: Altogether the results provided evidence validity and usefulness of the SAMSAQ-PT in Brazilian student-athletes. The Brazilian student-athletes' motivation scores were sensitive to the influence of sex, sport level, and type of university on career and sport motivation. SAMSAQ-PT estimate scores across an academic year showed a trend of stability in the scores, adjusting for sex, sport level, type of university, and student-athlete status. CONCLUSION: The SAMSAQ-PT proved to be a robust and valuable questionnaire, which could be used in Portuguese-speaking countries. The findings of the cross-sectional and longitudinal surveys urge to consider individual and contextual characteristics when investigating motivation of dual-career of athletes, also concerning the sex-related opportunities in university sports. Furthermore, there is a need for a call for action to promote and nurture the student-athletes motivation to remain engaged in both sports and educational commitments.

Multidimensional characteristics of young Brazilian volleyball players: A Bayesian multilevel analysis.

Brazil has been the benchmark for volleyball performance for at least two decades, providing a unique context to examine expertise development. This study examined the variation in body size, functional capacities, motivation for achievement, competitiveness, and deliberate practice of youth volleyball players associated with differences in biological maturity status, chronological age, and accumulated deliberate volleyball practice, adopting a Bayesian multilevel modeling approach. We considered 68 female and 94 male adolescent players (14.2 years, 90% confidence interval: 12.7 to 16.0). Players were grouped by the onset of deliberate volleyball practice as related to biologic maturation milestones [pre-puberty deliberate practice onset (12% of the sample), mid-puberty deliberate practice onset (51% of the sample), and late-puberty deliberate practice onset (37% of the sample). There was substantial variation in body dimensions and functional performance by gender. There was no variation by gender for motivation for deliberate practice and motivation for achievement and competitiveness. The young volleyball players appeared to be highly motivated and committed to deliberate practice, achievement, and competitiveness. Alignment of chronological age, biological maturation, and accumulated training experience allow more in-depth insights into young volleyball players' development, providing sounder support for coaches´ decisions.

Life Skills Development Through Sport in Brazil: A Study Based on Self-Determination Theory.

This study investigated whether a large sample of youth participants' life skills development through sport was impacted by demographic variables and/or variables based on self-determination theory. Participants were 461 Brazilian youth sport (325 boys; 136 girls) aged 10-17 years (Mage = 15.12, SD = 1.44). Participants completed a self-report research survey to assess demographic variables, coach autonomy support, basic need satisfaction, and sport motivation. We analyzed data using cluster analysis, a chi-square test and multivariate analysis of variance. We found that sport participants in the high life skills development cluster were older (p = .007) and had more years of sport experience (p = .032). Compared to the low life skills development cluster, sports participants in the high life skills development cluster displayed higher scores for coach's autonomy support (p = .001), autonomy satisfaction (p = .002), competence satisfaction (p = .001), relatedness satisfaction (p = .001), and identified regulation (p = .023). In practice, these findings indicate that coaches should seek to satisfy participants' three basic psychological needs and encourage an identified regulation form of motivation when trying to promote participants' life skills development through sport.

Student-Athletes' Motivation and Identity: Variation Among Brazilian and Portuguese University Student-Athletes.

This study examined the variation of student-athletes' identity and motivation across Portuguese and Brazilian universities, accounting for variation in gender, student-athletes' training hours per week, sports level, student-athletes status within each university, and university type. We initially established the validity of the Baller Identity Measurement Scale questionnaire and the Student-Athletes' Motivation toward Sports and Academics Questionnaire-based observations among 441 Brazilian and Portuguese student-athletes. Then, the validated version of the questionnaires was applied to a total sample of 765 student-athletes from Brazil (n= 568) and Portugal (n = 197). We further considered individual (hours of training and student-athlete status) and contextual characteristics (university type and country). Multilevel regression and poststratification were used to estimate each student-athlete identity and motivation as a function of his or her individual and contextual characteristics. Overall, the predictions showed that cultural (country), academic (type of university), and athletic (training hours) context likely have a substantial influence on student-athletes' identity and motivation.

Power and agility testing within the NBA pre-draft combine / Teste de potência e agilidade no NBA pre-draft combine

Abstract Considering agility is a prerequisite for basketball performance and several agility tests have been used during the pre-draft assessment of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the aimed of this study was to examine the associations between pre-draft athletes´ performance scores in NBA draft combine testing protocol. The performance of 480 athletes invited to the NBA pre-draft assessment from 2010 to 2017 was considered. Tests in the NBA Draft Combine considered in this study included the Shuttle Run Test, Lane Agility Test, Sprint Test, and Jump Test (standing vertical leap). Zero order correlations were calculated to examine the associations between performance tests by fitting Bayesian linear regression models. Among running testing, both Shuttle Run Test [r=0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34 to 0.56) and Sprint Test (r=0.45, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.54) were moderately associated with the Lane Agility Test. The association between the Sprint Test and Shuttle Run Test was moderate at best (r=0.27, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.38). Correlations between Jump Test and running tests were moderate to large, ranging from -0.51 to -0.19 (Lane Agility Test: r=-0.33, 95% CI -0.42 to -0.24; Shuttle Run Test: r=-0.19, 95% CI -0.31 to -0.07; Sprint Test: r=-0.51, 95% CI -0.59 to -0.43). As a conclusion, we found a moderate to large correlations between the tests performance of the NBA Draft Combine, implying that the overall procedures may provide in part overlapping information about basketball maximal short term performance.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar as associações entre os escores de desempenho dos atletas no Pre-Draft Combine da NBA. Foram examinados os desempenhos de 480 atletas nas avaliações do Pre-draft Combine da NBA de 2010 a 2017. Os testes do Draft Combine considerados incluíram o Shuttle Run Test, o Lane Agility Test, o Sprint Test e o Jump Test (salto vertical em pé). Correlações de ordem zero foram calculadas para examinar as associações entre os testes de desempenho através da adequação de modelos de regressão linear Bayesiana. Entre os testes de corrida, tanto o teste Shuttle Run (r = 0,45, intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95% 0,34 a 0,56) e teste de Sprint (r = 0,45, IC 95% 0,37 a 0,54) foram moderadamente associados com o Teste Lane Agility. A associação entre o Sprint Test e o Shuttle Run Test foi de moderada para alta (r = 0,27, IC 95% 0,16 a 0,38). As correlações entre o Teste de Salto e os testes de corrida foram de moderada a grande, variando de -0,51 a -0,19 (Lane Agility Test: r = -0,33, IC 95% -0,42 a -0,24; Teste Shuttle Run: r = -0,19, IC 95% -0,31 a -0,07; Teste de Sprint: r = -0,51, IC 95% -0,59 a -0,43). Assim, foi verificado uma correlação de moderada a grande entre o desempenho dos testes do Draft Combine da NBA, o que indica que os procedimentos gerais podem fornecer, parcialmente, informações sobrepostas sobre o desempenho máximo de curto prazo do basquetebol.